This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Kenya: President Kenyatta Lifts Justice Jackton Ojwang's Suspension ¶
Published on August 16, 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has lifted the suspension of Supreme Court Justice Jackton Ojwang', reinstating him to office with immediate effect. The decision was made in line with the recommendations of a tribunal that investigated Justice Ojwang's conduct.
Justice Ojwang' was suspended on April 2, 2019, following allegations of misconduct, incompetence, and breach of the judicial code of conduct. The allegations were made by nine individuals, including Mr. Nelson Oduor, in a petition filed against the judge.
However, the tribunal, which was formed by President Kenyatta and consisted of Justice (Rtd.) Festus Azangalala, lawyer Ambrose Weda, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, Senior Counsel Lucy Kambuni, Sylvia Wanjiku Muchiri, and Amina Abdalla, found Justice Ojwang' innocent. The tribunal submitted its report to the President on August 4, 2019, stating that the evidence presented did not warrant the judge's removal from office.
President Kenyatta noted in an Executive Order dated August 15, 2019, that there was no appeal against the tribunal's decision. He stated, "Justice Ojwang' is reinstated to office and all remunerations and benefits adjusted during the term of his suspension, pursuant to Article 168 (6) of the Constitution, shall accrue to the [judge] with immediate effect."
